Puka Nacua Ruled Out for Rams' Game Against Giants Due to Groin Injury
The star wide receiver will miss Monday night's contest after failing to practice for two consecutive days.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been declared inactive for Monday night's game against the New York Giants due to a groin injury. Nacua did not participate in practice on Saturday, marking the second consecutive day he was sidelined.
The injury is reportedly unrelated to the core muscle issue the fourth-year player sustained during a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys in August. Rams coach Sean McVay indicated that while Nacua felt good after a practice earlier in the week, he wasn't "totally like himself" and experienced soreness, prompting the team to be cautious.
Nacua's absence means the Rams will also be without his backup, Jordan Whittington, who is out with a quad injury. This leaves the team without two key players known for their run-blocking abilities at the receiver position. Undersized speedsters Xavier Smith and Tutu Atwell are expected to be the next in line to fill that role.
In the season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Nacua recorded five receptions for 74 yards. Last season, he set career highs with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns.
On a positive note for the Rams, three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald is confirmed to play. Donald ended his retirement last month and had expressed his intention to play against the Giants after sitting out the previous two seasons. McVay stated his support for Donald's decision, "Whatever Aaron says, I support."